Sir Ronald Wilson

A Matter of Conscience is the first comprehensive biography of the late Sir Ronald Wilson – an extraordinarily dedicated and talented man whose influence was writ large across all facets of contemporary Australian society.


This is the inspiring story of a young orphan from Geraldton who progressed from courthouse messenger to Spitfire pilot in World War II, Crown Prosecutor, Solicitor-General, High Court Justice, President of the Uniting Church and Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, Royal Commissioner and University Chancellor.


Providing personal and historical information on major events including the prosecution of Darryl Beamish, John Button and Eric Cooke (the last man to hang in Western Australia), and the controversial report into the ‘stolen generations’, Bringing Them Home, this biography shows rare insight into the public and private life of a distinguished Australian.